Latvia declares state of emergency at border as Russia mobilizes troops

Latvia declared a state of emergency near its border with Russia on September 28, days after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the mobilization of 300,000 men.

The Latvian government announced it on its website, saying that it will affect the regions of the country bordering Russia's Pskov region, as well as airports, border crossing points, ports and railways through December 27, per Newsweek.

It comes amid a growing exodus of Russians fleeing the country following Putin's partial mobilization order, which he announced on September 21. Many citizens have attempted to flee the country by car, train and plane to Russia's neighbouring nations.

The Latvian government said the state of emergency has been imposed "due to the mobilization announced in Russia".

"With the mobilization announced in Russia, the number of Russian citizens wishing to leave their country has increased significantly. Thus, there is a risk of a rapid increase in the number of illegal migrants on the Latvian-Russian border as well," the Latvian government said.

"The purpose of emergency measures is to pre-emptively prepare for it," the statement said, emphasizing that currently, the situation at the border is "stable, calm and under strict control."

The state of emergency will remain in effect for three months in Latvia's Aluksne, Balvi and Ludza regions. Latvia will also close its Pededze border crossing "to carry out increased border surveillance and border checks of Russian citizens."